Top News

Ohio Department May Drop Use of Helicopter

May 26, 2016
|

Photo: Facebook

The Toledo (OH) Police Department is considering "getting out of the helicopter business" if it can't find grant money to cover the cost of an upcoming mandatory factory overhaul of its helicopter, Chief George Kral said.

The chief said he is looking for grant money for that $300,000 expense that will soon come due. Without such grant money, the police bird could be grounded, he said.

Toledo bought the Robinson R44 helicopter in 2001 for the department's aviation unit, which was organized that year. The chopper cost about $504,000 and has been used the past 15 years for surveillance, search and rescue, night patrols, to oversee chases, and in other emergency situations.

City spokesperson Janet Schroeder said the 15-year-old chopper may not be worth the $300,000 overhaul cost. "It flies once or twice a week," she said.

In addition, the agency's only remaining officer qualified to fly the helicopter plans to retire soon.

Oregon, OH, police chief Mike Navarre, who was chief of the Toledo department when the city bought the helicopter in 2001, said the helicopter has been a valuable tool for the department but he believes unmanned aircraft will be used by law enforcement in the future.

Recommended Stories

Comments (1)

Displaying 1 - 1 of 1

kevcopAz @ 5/26/2016 9:16 PM

Perhaps Toledo and surrounding departments could all "pony up" and pay for the overhaul or a new chopper. That way the bird can be used as a regional resource for all those willing to put some skin in the game. Im sure other departments have called for the aircraft over the years. Police departments do this with radio dispatch, gang and other special units why not with the aircraft? Please think outside the box, these copters are invaluable when you really need them, like canes bomb dogs, etc etc. If you need them and don't have them then the $300 K would be a drop in the bucket.

Loading...

Join the Discussion

POLICE Magazine does not tolerate comments that include profanity, personal attacks or antisocial behavior (such as "spamming" or "trolling"). This and other inappropriate content or material will be removed. We reserve the right to block any user who violates this, including removing all content posted by that user.